A woman is working on a motorcycle
A group of people riding motorcycles down the road.

ARE YOU RALLY READY?

By MS. PAULA COLLINS, STAFF WRITER

Polish the chrome, gather your gear, and grab your maps … summer is here!

For the motorcycle enthusiast, warm weather brings about road trips, bike rallies, and runs. Biker events, large and small, are scattered across the nation. Two of the country’s largest and oldest rallies are held in Sturgis, SD, and Laconia, NH. At these and other rallies, hundreds of thousands of motorcycle riders from all over the world converge to experience biker culture at its best. Once there, there are many activities to enjoy, including scenic rides or tours of the surrounding countryside, bike shows and build-offs, campfires, concerts, races, and motorcycle skill competitions. Vendors are also present, selling food, beverages, and memorabilia. Whether a participant or a spectator, everyone is sure to have an enjoyable time.

BE PREPARED

Before making the pilgrimage, which may include traveling hundreds of miles to attend a rally, make plans to maximize the fun. How do you do that? First, make sure your motorcycle is in good condition. You are not going to have fun if you cannot even get there safely. Motorcycle safety experts suggest checking at least six key areas. These areas include the tires, front and rear brakes, head and taillights, horn, and oil and other fluids. Additionally, it is important to wear a properly fitted helmet that is compliant with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218. Helmets meeting this requirement usually have a sticker on them that reads, “DOT FMVSS NO. 218 CERTIFIED.†Wearing a helmet is one of the most effective ways to prevent a head injury. It is estimated that for every 100 motorcyclists killed, 37 of them would have survived had they been wearing certified helmets. Wear a helmet and inspect your bike before each ride.

In conjunction with a helmet, wear appropriate eye protection (a helmet shield or wraparound goggles); cyclist gloves (preferably leather with gel padding); thick jeans or leather pants; sturdy leather boots that cover the ankles and have good traction; and a jacket, (preferably made of leather) with reflective features to help ensure you are visible to others on the roadway. A leather motorcycle jacket may seem bulky to some, but they are constructed—with vents, pockets, and optional layers—for both comfort and protection. Wearing the proper motorcycle gear will lessen the possibility of serious injury during a fall or crash and will make riding more secure, and is required for Airmen in accordance with AFI 91-207, The U.S. Air Force Traffic Safety Program. Experts also suggest packing rain gear, sunscreen, a first-aid kit, and enough water to stay hydrated. On long rides, packing a sleeping bag (even if you plan to stay in an RV or hotel) is a popular suggestion. Having a sleeping bag provides a rider with the option of taking rest breaks during parts of the trip. Never ride tired; it can be deadly.

DRIVE AWARE

Do you know how far you can ride on a tank of gas? Plan stops to rest and refuel, and allow plenty of time to reach your destination. Give the road your full attention—especially if inclement weather is encountered. Motorcycle fatalities were nearly 29 times more frequent (per vehicle miles traveled) than for automobiles in 2019. Fifty-five percent of the 5,114 recorded motorcycle fatalities involved collisions with other moving vehicles. Seventy-six percent were struck in the front but only 7 percent in the rear. Both vehicles were traveling straight ahead in 22 percent of the crashes, but in 41 percent of the crashes, the other vehicle was making a left-hand turn while the motorcycle was going straight or passing. Twenty-three percent of all fatal collisions were with a fixed object instead of another moving vehicle.

WATCH YOUR SPEED

Could you slow down fast enough to avoid a collision? Are you giving yourself time to anticipate the movement of other vehicles? These are important questions only the rider can answer. If traveling with others, do not allow them to set your driving pace, especially if you are driving in unfamiliar territory. In 2019, speeding was a factor in 33 percent of fatal motorcycle crashes, with riders in the 21-24 age group accounting for a whopping 49 percent of those fatal accidents.

RIDE SOBER

Most bike rally events have vendors who serve alcohol. If you indulge, refrain from driving. Alcohol impairment (BAC of .08 g/dL or higher) was a factor in 29 percent of all fatal motorcycle crashes in 2019. It proved fatal in 42 percent of single vehicle crashes and 21 percent of crashes where two or more vehicles were involved.

LOOKING FOR AN EVENT NEAR YOU IN 2022?

Popular Bike Rallies in the United States:

If you love motorcycling during this time of year, you know the journey is as beautiful and important as the destination and that safety is paramount. Be prepared. Drive aware. Watch your speed. Ride sober. And have fun!